So our Mass goes back, without essential change, to the age when it first developed out of the oldest liturgy of all. It is still redolent of that liturgy, of the days when Cæsar ruled the world and thought he could stamp out the faith of Christ, when our fathers met together before dawn and sang a hymn to Christ as to a God. The final result of our enquiry is that, in spite of unsolved problems, in spite of later changes, there is not in Christendom another rite so venerable as ours. ~Fortescue

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

These are pictures of the Solemn Mass at the Church of St. Cecilia in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This Mass was to celebrate the 110th Anniversary of consecration. The Te Deum was sung at the end as an act of Thanksgiving. The consecration crosses were incensed (as they were when the church was consecrated) and the candles were beautifully decorated. The singing by the Sacred Ministers was wonderful. The sermon was very moving. There were about 200 people in attendance. There were 13 servers helping.

The pictures below were taken by a faithful in the congregation.

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The outside of the church was illuminated with small (lit) candles.

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Incensation at the Introit (after the Asperges ceremonies and the prayers at the foot of the Altar were over)

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The recitation of the Gloria by the Sacred Ministers

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The reading of the Gospel by the Celebrant

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The line-up for the Solemn singing of the Gospel

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The Deacon receives the blessing from the Celebrant before chanting the Gospel

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The Deacon (and Homilist) reads the Epistle in English

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The Deacon (and Homilist) reads the Gospel in English. He also preached on the meaning of consecrated churches and on the beauty of the architecture of the Church of St. Cecilia

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Everyone listens to the Gospel reading in English

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The Lavabo ceremonies after the incensation of the Altar at the Offertory

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The Deacon of the Mass incenses the consecration crosses (there are 12) on the walls. These crosses are incensed immediately after the Celebrant.